Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam has been invited to open the Ao Dai Festival in the US with the ao dai inspired by the legendary Mother Au Co.

The Ao Dai collection inspired from a trip to Hung Kings' Temple

According to Nam, he got the ideas for the design after a trip to Hung Kings' Temple in Phu Tho Province. The culture, history and the patterns he learned during the trip are a huge source of inspiration for him.

Green and gold are chosen for the dress as they represent the mountain and forest. Meanwhile, the dragon and phoenix patterns are carefully placed to show off the elegant and imperial power.

Some of the highlights are the ao dai made from French velvet fabrics and decorated with diamonds, some others are created like a nightgown to fit in with the more modern atmosphere in the US. Three other designs are inspired by the culture and history of the northern, central and southern regions.

Nam is also promoting Vietnamese Ao Dai at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival in France. An Ao dai featuring national flags of forty six countries are being showcased at the festival.

Last year, Do Trinh Hoai Nam was voted as the ao dai designer of the year at the 5th Ao Dai Festival held in HCM City.

Photos of the event:

The Ao Dai inspired by the culture of the northern region is white and decorated with diamonds and pearl jewellery